Well, first off, Nënë is officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! She was baptized on Saturday by my companion, and I was given the opportunity to give her the Gift of the Holy Ghost and confirm her Yesterday! It is really awesome, because when we saw her in her white baptismal jumpsuit, that was the first time I had EVER seen her in ANYTHING but pure BLACK! It is a cultural thing. When a woman becomes a widow, she typically wears black for the rest of her life. Also, they wear black for a long time after a death in the family, and her son died exactly a year ago. It was so amazing to see her dressed in PURE WHITE! And she only had to be baptized once (which was something we were really worried about!). She was confirmed the next day. I was really nervous about doing it. Luckily the actual branch pianist came and I was able to pray for a few moments before the meeting to prepare myself. It was a miracle. I know that things came to mind as I was pronouncing the blessings, that I hadn't thought before. It was given especially for her. She has so much faith. She KNOWS that the church and God has healed her. In the investigator class yesterday, she was sitting next to one of the other Elder's investigators and said," You know Zana, you just need to get baptized! I have been in a lot of pain lately, but last night and today, I haven't had any pain at all!" The God has healed her through her absolute faith that he can heal her! She is such an amazing woman, and I am with my companion in this saying, if I was called to go home right now, I would consider my mission a success JUST because of her. I look forward to being with her in the Celestial Kingdom.
So, Algert isn't ready for a mini-mission. He has been having family problems lately...so now is not a good time. He is a great young man though!
Thank you for your prayers. I know they helped. I was nervous before I gave the blessing, but I was calm right before hand. It was a miracle.
So Transfers are upcomming. We know we will be separated this transfer. I admit, I am kindof nervous for next transfer....I know I am going senior companion...
Today we went to a fshat of Elbasan named Gjinar. It is where Algert is from. It was beautiful, and we made a campfire and cooked "hot dogs" on the hot coals. It was a lot of fun....though it was mainly me building the fire....I used those skills I learned from fire building a home in the fireplace...we all kënaqed!
Another Miracle happened. We have an investigator named Eneda...and she cannot comprehend even the simplest things. We even gave her the scripture Mosiah 3:17 (we thought there was no way to misunderstand that)...she didn't understand salvation. Well, the day before, during a lesson, I thought an example, comparing the gospel (faith, rependence, baptism...etc.) with the process of washing your hands. I think it was the Spirit teaching it to me, and I thoug, that could be useful, so I wrote it down. Well, I decided to use it in the lesson with Eneda, and it was a miracle. She understood nearly everything. WE began with faith, and how we must first have faith that the fauset will have water come out if we TURN THE KNOB (faith withou works is dead...right?). Then we compared soap to repentance, and sometimes we must scrubb HARD, but nonetheless, it kills all those mircobes! And when soap is all over our hands, the natural reaction that we have is to wash it off with baptism! Then, our hands are wet, and clean, so we dry them off with a towel (Baptism by Fire). It went really well, and I know I didn't come up with it myself...I had obvious help!
Well, thank you everyone for your continued support. That is mainly what has happened this week. I love you all and hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Fredrickson
P.S. I got new tags....I am officially Elder Fredi now! IT is alot easier for the Albanians to say. I will try to send pictures!
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